Solving Confusion Over Drugs

Published: March 18, 2003

The problem of misread and misinterpreted drug names is one that can be easily and inexpensively solved. Simply adopt the practice of suffixing the name of the drug with its broad category of effect.

Thus, Viagra would be prescribed as Viagra-impot and Sarafem as Sarafem-antidep. The absence of such a cue, or an incorrect cue for the named drug, is a signal for the pharmacist to confirm the prescription with the doctor.

No national study groups, no legislation, no additional cost are involved. Doctors and pharmacists could start doing this today.